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Thursday

Sober October for Macmillan Cancer Support

At the age of 20, I stopped drinking. Of course I spent my teen years getting drunk in dingy clubs but, the day after my 20th birthday, I realised that I didn't like alcohol. It was expensive, it tasted horrible and, to be honest, I was a nightmare when I'd been drinking. So, just like that, I stopped. Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely teetotal. Sometimes I'll be offered a cocktail at an event and I'll accept but, when given the choice, I'll generally always pick the non-alcoholic option and I never get drunk.

However, I am well aware that this makes me somewhat of an oddity for a common girl my age (though not as much as when I was at uni!) and that being completely sober for even a month would be a challenge for many. Which is exactly why Macmillan Cancer Support have launched their Go Sober for October campaign. Pledge to stop drinking through the entirety of October (although it may be permissible to make an allowance for Halloween!) and raise some money for Macmillan, a wonderful charity that provides support for sufferers of cancer and their loved ones.

Don't get me wrong- I'm not an evangelical teetotal do-gooder. I strongly believe that everybody should do what they want and I'm not trying to convert anybody to the sober lifestyle. I'm not a killjoy! However, here are some of the reasons why I reckon you should try to go sober for October.1. No more of that "Oh God, please don't tell me what I did last night!" fear.2. Waking up on a Sunday morning without a pounding head and dodgy taste in your mouth.3. Having the power to completely humiliate all your friends who were drinking.4. Finding your skin looks amazing.And, the best reason of all:5. Being able to go out with £15 and come back with change.Seriously, a night out for me now costs about £10 including entrance fee and I have the best time! I've never been one to rely on alcohol to lower my inhibitions, so I'm usually the first to hit the dancefloor and don't leave until 2am. Better still, I remember everything and I haven't made a total fool of myself. Give it a go and raise some money for charity. What have you got to lose?For the record, this is not a sponsored post and nor have I been contacted by Macmillan. It's just a cause I believe in and have decided to support.

I've never drank, no religious or health reason behind it, it's just simply never appealed to me, the same definitely can't be said when it comes to me and chocolate!But I don't know anyone who doesn't drink or doesn't drink much, though it does seem to be more common these days! I know of one perk of not drinking- not coming home, throwing up and thinking that hoovering my sick up is a good idea, an excellent idea my Sister had once!

Oh wow, that's amazing! Neither of my best friend's drink much so I think you're right- it is becoming more common. I can't believe your sister tried hoovering up her sick!!! Please tell me she was still drunk when she made that decision!

I feel like it's kind of sad that society relies on alcohol for a great time and the eveningis measured on the amount that is drunk. I don't know why but I think that not drinking for a month should be normal, not the exception

It's nice to read the comments from fellow non-drinkers. While teens and twenty-somethings who don't drink are definitely becoming more commonplace, we're still very much in the minority. Each to their own, I say! -x-